West Africa

In a shocking event over in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, we find ourselves grappling with the tragic news of an attack on a Somali-owned shop. This isn't just a number; it's the loss of a community member, Sadaq Ahmed Hassan, who many knew better as Sadaq British. His life was snuffed out during a robbery that also left Mohamed Dahir nursing injuries. All this took place in the quiet suburbs of Pietermaritzburg—a reminder that even seemingly peaceful places aren't immune to turmoil. It's a gut-punch for the Somali…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a bid to tackle the drought and humanitarian challenges looming over Somalia, Mahmoud Macalin Abdulle, the top dog at the Somali National Disaster Management Authority (SODMA), convened with a United Nations entourage. The delegation was steered by George Conway, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the all-around UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. At the heart of their pow-wow was the dry spell hitting various Somali regions,…

It’s painfully clear that this Christmas is shaping up to be one of the darkest for countless Nigerians. This isn’t due to a lack of enthusiasm or spirit; far from it! The issue at hand is a stark economic reality that makes the notion of celebration seem almost impossible. Ikechukwu Amaechi articulates this sentiment in The Vanguard, stating that the prevailing conditions are dampening the joys of the season. He highlights that this year's festivities feel more like a distant dream. Families are grappling with financial…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an audacious move, Northeastern State is rallying clans from the Bari region to combat the mounting menace of ISIS, which has dug its heels deep into the area. Spearheaded by First Deputy Speaker Mohamed Bari Shire, this charge comes on the heels of a deadly attack in Dharjaale village, laying bare glaring security frailties. Cast your mind back to the last day of 2024, when Northeastern State's security personnel managed to foil an ISIS assault on a military base in Dharjaale, resulting in the demise of…

The second round of qualifying matches for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Countries like the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have successfully secured their spots in the much-anticipated final phase of the tournament. As sports enthusiasts tune in, they can't help but feel the excitement radiating from these tense encounters. Every kick, every pass, and every goal scored tells a rich…

Mogadishu (AX) — Ethiopia is embarking on an ambitious venture to irrigate more than 112,000 hectares of land in its often-neglected Somali region. This initiative, greeted with enthusiasm by local communities, is seen as a pivotal step towards transforming one of the nation's least developed territories. Orchestrated by the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Areas, this effort aims not only to rejuvenate arid fields but also to uplift the lives of countless residents. Having officially unveiled the Gode Irrigation…

The situation surrounding Moalim Ali goes beyond just heated words. He faces severe allegations of ingrained bias within the ministry, notably sidelining individuals from the Digil and Mirifle communities in terms of job opportunities and advancement. “This issue transcends a mere comment—it highlights an entrenched pattern of discrimination that erodes the core values of fairness and equality,” shared a notable leader from the Digil and Mirifle groups. These clans, predominantly residing in southern Somalia, have…

Nigeria is making strides toward revitalizing its Warri oil refinery, which has been dormant for nearly a decade due to a series of technical problems. The Warri Refinery, boasting an impressive capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, had faced prolonged closures as a result of aging infrastructure and a lack of crude oil supply. However, recent reports indicate that operations have recommenced, and the facility is currently functioning at about 60% of its capacity, as shared by Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for the presidency.…

In the ever-evolving story of North Western State of Somalia, a fresh commitment has surfaced: safeguarding the realm of free speech. Amid the bustling capital, Mogadishu, chatter swirls as the government vows to shield journalists and citizens alike from unjust confinement over dissident facts or views.President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro recently, in a heartfelt address to civil society and the press, rekindled his campaign promise to uphold democratic tenets. "Freedom of expression is vital to our governance,"…

"Slam-dunk diplomacy," was Ambassador Waern's take on Sweden's strategy in teaming up with Somalia to ensure that those being sent back home experience a reentrance into society that’s not just about survival but thriving as humans. This friendly pact focuses not only on keeping tabs on folks returning but also ensuring they don't wind up in the clutches of radical groups. It’s all part of Sweden’s broader game plan to tackle terrorism and bump up international safety. Now, if we rewind a bit to 2016, a good chunk of…